Day 1: Depart home gateway city to Marseille
Day 2: Transfer to Arles
Arrive at Marseille International Airport where you'll be transferred to your ship docked in Arles. (D)
Day 3: Arles
Vincent van Gogh found inspiration in the charming town of Arles, andyou will too. Inspired by the unique Provençal light, he spent a periodof intense and impassioned work under the bright sunny sky of Provence.In fact, he produced more than 300 paintings and drawings in 15 months,including Starry Night. During your walking tour, discover Van Gogh'sArles as well as a fascinating wealth of Romanesque monuments, such asthe Roman Amphitheater and Constantine's Roman baths. (BB, L, Captain'sWelcome Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Arles walking tour
Day 4: Avignon
Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of history, culture, art, and life, and you'll capture all of that on your walking tour of the “City of the Popes.” Your tour starts at the fortification walls and continues to Clocktower Square. In truly Provençal style, under the shadows of the sycamores, the colorful cafè terraces face the magnificent architecture of the City Hall, the Opera Theatre, and the classic mansions. Next, it's on to Pope's Palace Square for an inside view of the maze of galleries, chambers, and chapels that make up the grand Palace of the Popes. During the afternoon, you'll have leisure time to enjoy this magical city. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Avignon walking tour and Palace of the Popes
Day 5: Viviers, Tournon
Lovely Viviers, developed around its Romanesque cathedral, has retained much of its historic charm. Your tour in Viviers starts in Old Town with an introduction to the city. You'll take the Rue Chèvrerie to Porte Riquot, then climb Rue du Ch�teau to reach St. Vincent Cathedral where you'll enjoy an organ concert. Finally, you'll walk through the Medieval streets of this delightful town on your way back to the ship. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Viviers walking tour
Day 6: Tournon/Tain l'Hermitage, Lyon
Nestled among famous vineyards, the twin cities of Tournon/Tain l'Hermitage provide the perfect setting for those who are true connoisseurs of wine. Celebrate the region by indulging in some Côtes du Rhône mid-valley wines. Then cross the Marc Seguin suspension bridge and visit Tournon and its historic castle. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Winetasting and Tournon walking tour
Day 7: Lyon
Lyon, France's second largest city after Paris, is the country's lively and creative capital of gastronomy. Your tour starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, Lyon's hallmark church, for a dramatic view of the town built at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. From the bus, you'll view Terreaux Square, the Musèe des Beaux-Arts, and the Opera House. During the afternoon, you'll have leisure time to explore this city on your own. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Lyon city tour
Day 8: Chalon-sur-Saône (Beaune)
Centered in the heart of Burgundy, Chalon is an important center for France's wine trade. From here, you will journey to nearby Beaune to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune, a charitable hospital founded by the Chancellor of Beaune in 1443. Marvel at the multicolored roofs of this architectural jewel that has become one of the symbols of Burgundy. The Hospice monks were given some vineyards in the 15th century so they could make wine to auction in order to help support charities, and to this day, the tradition still continues. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Beaune and Hospices de Beaune, open-airand food market visit
Day 9: Depart Chalon sur Saône
Disembark the ship in Chalon sur Saône and transfer to Lyon for your return flight home, or extend your stay in Paris, the “City of Lights!”
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